Amethyst: the birthstone for February

Amethyst is the birthstone for month of February. Amethyst is the purple variety of the mineral quartz and is a popular gemstone.

The name Amethyst is derived from the Greek ‘a methystos’ and means “not drunken.” This was perhaps due to a belief that amethyst would ward off the effects of alcohol, but most likely the Greeks were referring to the almost wine-like color of some stones that they may have encountered.

Varying in shade from pale mauve to deep purple, the beautiful amethyst has a rich history ranging from mythology to some quite famous admirers.

• Cleopatra, a lover of amethysts, wore a beautiful signet ring which had the figure of Mithras engraved on it; Mithras was a Persian deity who symbolized the source of light and life;
• In the British Crown Jewels the Amethyst can be found;
• Catherine the Great of Russia loved this stone;
• In the Roman Catholic Church the Amethyst is also found in abundance; Catholic bishops still wear the traditional large amethyst rings; as a representation of their charity;
•  Amethyst is also the stone of Saint Valentine and gives its wearer marital bliss;
•  Leonardo da Vinci praised Amethysts for the fact that it dispels evil thoughts and also because it sharpens the intellect.

Amethyst is considered to be the stone of spirituality, love and virginity. It helps dreaming, dispels nightmares. It is known as the “sobriety stone”, helps break bad habits. It is a powerful healing gem, having been used in treating disorders of the nervous system, digestive tract, heart, stomach, skin and teeth. An amethyst under the pillow can aid sleeplessness; an amethyst placed on the center of the forehead can relieve the pain of headaches.

Amethysts are plentiful and affordable. Qualitative amethyst jewelry can usually be found from fifty to a few hundred dollars. You can find a wide selection of Amethyst jewelry and other gemstone jewelry from reputable jewelers and online jewelry stores.

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